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World's Most Wanted Drug Kingpin Captured in Mexico

Following a 13-year manhunt, the most sought-after drug lord in the world was apprehended in Mexico yesterday.

The New York Times reports that Joaquín Guzmán Loera, known as "El Chapo," was arrested at a beach resort in Mazatlán, Mexico as part of a joint effort by Mexican police and marines based on information provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and customs and immigration officials.

The Times adds that an arsenal including 97 big guns, 36 handguns, two grenade launchers and a rocket launcher was seized during the arrest. Forty-three vehicles, many of which were armored, were taken as well.

Forensics tests were performed to confirm that the man was, in fact, Guzmán. This extra precaution was taken after Mexican officials announced the arrest of Guzmán's son in 2012, then discovered that it wasn't him, resulting a great deal of humiliation for the government that they've finally atoned for.

Guzmán was behind the Sinaloa cartel, recognized as the world's strongest drug trafficker because its business extended to Europe and Asia. Furthermore, the cartel was responsible for a violent streak resulting in thousands of deaths in Mexico.

Guzmán had been on the run since escaping from prison in 2001. That only added to the legend of the man whose fortune landed him on the Forbes list of the wealthiest people in the world. He will face a number of drug trafficking charges in the U.S., but Mexican ambassador to the U.S. Eduardo Medina Mora said he believed it was important Guzmán face charges in Mexico first.